Matthew 22:19-21 'Show me the coin used for paying the tax.' They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, 'Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?' 'Caesar's,' they replied. Then he said to them, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.' (NIV)

People asked Jesus whether it was appropriate for God's people to pay taxes to the secular state. Jesus answered in a very ingenious way. He called for a coin of the realm. When Jesus saw the coin, he noticed that it bore the image of Caesar. If it belonged to Caesar, he said, it should be paid to Caesar. But, he added, what belongs to God should be given to God. When Jesus looks upon you, he sees the image, the imprint of God. Your life does not belong to any other human being -- not even to yourself -- it belongs to God. Your life is not meant to be a reflection simply of your environment, your background or your culture. It is meant to carry the incredible likeness of God's nature and character; it is designed to reflect his power and his favour. So, pay your taxes and be a good citizen, but remember: you're God's property first, follow his path above all else!

Prayer: 'Lord, help me today to fulfil my responsibilities in the world in which I live -- in my work and as a citizen. But Lord, my life belongs to you, so please help me to please you above all.'